Catholic journalist Maria del Rosario Loyola Hilario, one of the most beloved members of CNA's sister news agency ACI-Prensa in Lima, died on Dec. 1 from complications after surgery.

"Charito" was born on Oct. 7, 1978, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, to whom her mother dedicated her with great devotion.

The 34-year-old began her work as a journalist with ACI-Prensa last year. She passed away Saturday after contracting pneumonia following a risky surgery to treat a brain condition she had since birth.

The entire staff prays she is enjoying eternal life with God to which she always aspired and that God will bring comfort to her family – especially to her mother, Flavia Hilario, her fiance, and her five older siblings.

CNA executive director Alejandro Bermudez recalled Charito as "not only a skilled and exemplary professional with a keen sense of the news, but also as someone who always edified us with the great charity and patience with which she did her interviews, even those which were of a hostile nature."

"She always treated everyone with charity and kindness, and I literally cannot think of a single time when she was unwilling or unenthusiastic about taking on a task, no matter how difficult," he noted.  

"During her illness, Charito was always her kind and patient self. We were all hoping to have her back with us after her recovery. God had other plans."

"Now, saddened by her passing but hopeful because of her good works, the staff of ACI-Prensa commends her to our Mother of Mercies, whose goodness she always proclaimed with untiring apostolic zeal," Bermudez said.

ACI-Prensa expresses thanks to all those who have offered prayers and condolences for Charito and her family.